In brief: Riverside High’s athletic mats vandalized

RIVERSIDE – The pole vault mats at Riverside High School were vandalized sometime between March 22 and March 24 causing $10,000 worth of damage. Crime Stoppers Northwest is offering a cash reward for anyone providing information that leads to an arrest in this case. Tipsters may remain anonymous and should call Crime Stoppers tip line at (800) 222-TIPS or visit www.crimestoppers inlandnorthwest.org.

Providence hosting Valley open house

SPOKANE VALLEY – Providence Health Care will present an open house at its new Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley, 16528 E. Desmet Court, Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m.

The event will include free health screenings, giveaways and drawings for gift baskets, an art exhibit by Providence employees and refreshments.

The facility will be open for patient services on April 28.

For more information, call (509) 474-3081.

Street sweepers will hit neighborhoods

SPOKANE VALLEY – Street sweepers have completed their first run of Spokane Valley arterials and now are turning their attention to residential areas.

City officials urge residents to keep curbs and rights of way free of obstructions such as vehicles, trailers and portable basketball hoops, while also trimming back any vegetation. Residential street sweeping is expected to continue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. into June. Arterials will be reswept monthly through the spring and summer.

More than just aesthetics, street sweeping helps prevent damaging water buildup on roads by keeping storm drains clear while also helping meet air and water quality standards, according to the city.

Annual goat fundraiser starts on Monday

SPOKANE – Wishing Star’s annual Send a Friend a Goat fundraiser runs Monday through April 18 in the greater Spokane area. A $50 donation sends a baby goat to a recipient who then pays off the goat to get it to go away. Any donation will make the goat go away. Those not fond of goats may purchase goat insurance for $100, guaranteeing no goat visits. For details visit www.sendafriendagoat.com.

EWU, SCC team up to offer free class

EAST SPOKANE – The Africana Studies Program at Eastern Washington University and Multicultural Student Services at Spokane Community Colleges are cosponsoring a free, six-week course on the African American experience. Classes begin today from 5 to 7 p.m. and run every Thursday at Spokane Community College, Building 6, in the Littlefoot Conference Room 124. Topics include the civil rights movement in Washington state, African-American women’s history and African-American education. The no-credit course is taught by college professors. Drop-ins are welcome. For more information and a complete schedule, call EWU’s Bayyinah Jeffries at (509) 359-6150. For special accommodations, call SCC’s Lori Hunt at (509) 533-7378.

Eating disorder group hosting teen summit

WEST SPOKANE – The Inland Coalition on Eating Disorders is hosting a teen summit April 19, at Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive.

The event is free and focuses on promoting a positive body image and healthy relationships.

Workshops about yoga, art therapy and many other topics are available throughout the day. For more information, call (253) 249-5216 or visit incedspokane.org./

SCRAPS presenting benefit for cats, dogs

SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services Hope Foundation will present its annual Reigning Cats and Dogs Auction April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana.

The event, which celebrates the cats and dogs that rule our hearts, will include a pet pageant, a silent and live auction, raffle, appetizers and dessert and a treasure hunt.

The proceeds will benefit the SCRAPS Hope Foundation’s Animal Medical Fund, which provides medical care for animals who are injured or have been suffering from abuse.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

For information on table sponsorship, tickets, donating or volunteer opportunities at the event, visit www.scrapshopefoundation.org or call (509) 477-2760.

Kiwanis giving away kids’ bicycle helmets

EAST SPOKANE – Division 46 Kiwanis Clubs presents a Paint-A-Helmet event on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Children age 3-16 will receive a free, fitted bicycle helmet and have an opportunity to decorate it. About 1,000 helmets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Community organizations such as Campfire and the Humane Society will have exhibits, and there will be local entertainment and free safety programs for participants. Call: (509) 448-9895.

Gardening events coming to Manito Park

MANITO PARK – The Friends of Manito is hosting a free gardening seminar on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the meeting room at Manito Park at 4 W. 21st St.

Steve Nokes, a Master Gardener, will talk about plant design, soil or medium preparation, watering, planting and harvesting.

To attend the seminar, call (509) 456-8038 to register.

Also at Manito Park, Associated Garden Clubs of Spokane is holding its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 26 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 27 at the greenhouse complex east of Gaiser Conservatory in Manito Park.

The sale includes annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable starts, decorative containers and hanging baskets among other items. Greenhouses for the sale are located adjacent to park maintenance facilities.

Proceeds will go toward park improvements or beautification projects.